A faithful man will abound with blessingsThis phrase emphasizes the value of faithfulness, a recurring theme throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament, faithfulness is often associated with loyalty to God and adherence to His commandments. The Hebrew word for "faithful" can also mean trustworthy or reliable, suggesting a person who is consistent in their devotion and actions. The promise of abounding blessings aligns with the covenantal promises found in
Deuteronomy 28, where obedience to God results in blessings. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches that those who are faithful in little will be entrusted with much (
Luke 16:10). The blessings mentioned are not limited to material wealth but include spiritual prosperity, peace, and favor with God and man.
but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished
This part of the verse warns against the pursuit of wealth as a primary goal. The eagerness to be rich can lead to moral compromise and spiritual downfall, as seen in the story of Achan inJoshua 7, whose greed led to his destruction. The New Testament reiterates this warning in1 Timothy 6:9-10, where the love of money is described as a root of all kinds of evil. The phrase "will not go unpunished" suggests divine justice, where God holds individuals accountable for their actions. This is consistent with the wisdom literature's broader theme that actions have consequences. The punishment may not always be immediate or visible, but it reflects the biblical principle that God opposes the proud and greedy but gives grace to the humble and faithful.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Faithful ManRepresents individuals who are steadfast, trustworthy, and consistent in their walk with God. The Hebrew word for "faithful" is (emunah), which conveys a sense of firmness and reliability.
2.
Eager to be RichRefers to those who prioritize wealth accumulation over integrity and righteousness. This eagerness often leads to moral compromise and spiritual downfall.
3.
BlessingsIn the context of Proverbs, blessings often refer to both material and spiritual prosperity that comes from living a life aligned with God's principles.
4.
PunishmentThe consequences faced by those who pursue wealth at the expense of their moral and spiritual values. This can include both temporal and eternal repercussions.
Teaching Points
The Value of FaithfulnessFaithfulness is a key virtue in the Christian life, leading to God's blessings. It involves being reliable and steadfast in our commitments to God and others.
The Danger of GreedThe pursuit of wealth can lead to moral compromise and spiritual ruin. Christians are called to prioritize their relationship with God over material gain.
Blessings Beyond Material WealthWhile blessings can include material prosperity, they also encompass spiritual growth, peace, and joy that come from living a life pleasing to God.
Consequences of Misplaced PrioritiesThose who prioritize wealth over integrity will face consequences. This serves as a warning to examine our motives and ensure they align with God's will.
Living with Eternal PerspectiveChristians are encouraged to focus on eternal rewards rather than temporary riches, aligning their lives with God's eternal purposes.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 28:20?
2.How can we cultivate faithfulness as described in Proverbs 28:20 in daily life?
3.What are the dangers of "haste to be rich" in Proverbs 28:20?
4.How does Proverbs 28:20 connect with Jesus' teachings on wealth in Matthew 6:24?
5.What practical steps can prevent the pitfalls of greed mentioned in Proverbs 28:20?
6.How can Proverbs 28:20 guide our financial decisions and priorities as Christians?
7.How does Proverbs 28:20 define faithfulness in a believer's life?
8.What does Proverbs 28:20 suggest about the relationship between faithfulness and prosperity?
9.How does the promise in Proverbs 28:20 align with real-world experiences of believers?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 28?
11.How does obedience to God lead to blessings?
12.Proverbs 21:21: How can this promise of life, prosperity, and honor be reconciled with the reality that many righteous and loving people suffer hardship or persecution?
13.In Job 36:11-12, obedience supposedly leads to prosperity while disobedience brings destruction; how does this align with the real-world experiences of faithful people in hardship?
14.Why does 2 Chronicles 28:19 say God directly punishes an entire nation for one king's actions?What Does Proverbs 28:20 Mean
A faithful manProverbs 28:20 opens with the assurance, “A faithful man will abound with blessings”. Faithfulness here speaks of steady loyalty to God and integrity in daily life.
•Luke 16:10 echoes this principle: “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much.”
• InMatthew 25:21 Jesus commends the servant who proves “faithful over a few things,” promising promotion and joy.
• Faithfulness is not mere religious talk; it shows up in how we handle work, money, family, and commitments (Colossians 3:23).
When we consistently do what honors the Lord, we place ourselves under His promised favor and care (Deuteronomy 28:2).
Will abound with blessings“Abound” suggests an overflowing supply—more than enough.
•Psalm 84:11 assures that “no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”
•Proverbs 10:22 adds, “The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow with it.”
These blessings may include material provision (Philippians 4:19), but they run deeper: peace that steadies us (Isaiah 26:3), wisdom for choices (James 1:5), and the joy of knowing we are pleasing our Father (John 15:11).
But one eager to be richThe contrast shifts sharply: “but one eager to be rich.” The issue is not wealth itself but the craving for it.
•1 Timothy 6:9-10 warns that those who “want to be rich fall into temptation and a trap…and pierce themselves with many sorrows.”
•Proverbs 20:21 observes that an inheritance “gained quickly at the beginning will not be blessed in the end.”
Greed reorders priorities, nudging God to the margins, breeding impatience, compromise, and exploitation (James 5:4-5).
Will not go unpunishedScripture is blunt: unchecked greed invites judgment.
•Galatians 6:7 states, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap.”
• InLuke 12:20 the rich fool who hoarded his surplus hears God say, “This very night your life will be required of you.”
Consequences can surface in fractured relationships, loss of integrity, legal troubles, or spiritual barrenness, and ultimately in God’s righteous accounting (Hebrews 4:13).
summaryProverbs 28:20 sets two life trajectories side by side. Faithfulness—quiet, steady, God-honoring obedience—opens the floodgates of His multifaceted blessing. An anxious drive to get rich, however, blinds the heart and invites inevitable discipline. Choose faithfulness; the reward is abundance that money can neither create nor counterfeit.
(20)
A faithful man,who is true to God and man, "shall abound with blessings" from God and man. Comp. Job's description of his own blameless life and the blessings attending it (Job 29).
Verse 20. -
A faithful man shall abound with blessings. "Faithful," as in
Proverbs 20:6, one on whom one can depend, honest and upright. Septuagint,
ἀξιόπιστος. The blessings signified are such as come from God and man. Men will utter his name with praise and benediction (comp.
Job 29:8, etc.), and God will show his approval by sending material prosperity.
He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent (comp. ver. 22, and note there;
Proverbs 13:11;
Proverbs 20:21;
Proverbs 21:5). One who is only anxious to become quickly rich, and is unscrupulous as to means, cannot be "a faithful man," and therefore cannot be blessed. Instead of "innocent," many expositors render "unpunished" (as
Proverbs 17:5), which better contrasts with the blessings mentioned in the first hemistich, though the two ideas are coordinate. On this haste of covetousness, Juvenal writes ('Sat.,' 14:173) -
"Inde fere scelerum causae; nec plura venena
Miscuit aut ferro grassatur saepius ullum
Humanae mentis vitium, quam saeva cupido
Immodici census; nam dives qui fieri vult,
Et cito vult fieri. Sed quae reverentia legum,
Quis metus aut pudor est unquam properantis avari?" The Septuagint waters down the gnome, "But the wicked shall not be unpunished."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
A faithfulאֱ֭מוּנוֹת(’ĕ·mū·nō·wṯ)Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 530:Firmness, steadfastness, fidelitymanאִ֣ישׁ(’îš)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male personwill aboundרַב־(raḇ-)Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7227:Much, many, greatwith blessings,בְּרָכ֑וֹת(bə·rā·ḵō·wṯ)Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1293:Benediction, prosperitybut one eagerוְאָ֥ץ(wə·’āṣ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 213:To press, to be close, hurry, withdrawto be richלְ֝הַעֲשִׁ֗יר(lə·ha·‘ă·šîr)Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6238:To accumulate, chiefly, to grow, richwill notלֹ֣א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nogo unpunished.יִנָּקֶֽה׃(yin·nā·qeh)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5352:To be, clean, to be bare, extirpated
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 28:20 A faithful man is rich with blessings (Prov. Pro Pr) 
